Refined By Him everyday!!

Writer's block seems be plaguing me at this particular point in my life. Normally, I am rarely at a loss for words but lately it seems as if when I find myself at the PC, my mind goes blank or off into random obscurity. I can't seem to fashion a thought much less a logical or thought-provoking sentence. I do have many things on my mind as of late..... Decisions to be made, roads to travel, waiting to be done and the like. As I look back on my life, I realize it has always been this way but in the past I didn't seem to put as much weight on things as I do now. I carefully consider all my options and determine the best course of action based on the least resistance. I am not sure that is exactly how I am to be proceeding. Where is the trust? Where is the reliance on God to set my feet upon the path? Where is that part of my life in which I don't worry about tomorrow? If anything, at this point in my life I trust God more than ever especially since my recent release from burdens I shouldered that belonged to others. As I ponder the issues before me, I notice that they are harder questions than before and more significant waiting to be done. Is this because He now expects more from me? A test - perhaps? I can't say that I am awfully worried -- I think more anxious for a direction to be given and a definitive answer to appear. I am not sure how to feel about a particular subject so I am cautious to feel anything at all until the path is clear. As I go through the Bible, I find comfort in my present state. I ponder those situations that those who lived before me encountered and yet they too were scared, uncertain and somewhat afraid to move forward. Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Job, Esther, Peter, Paul, and so on... They all had major decisions to make and waiting to be done before they could proceed. What they possessed though is nothing different than what we possess if we just reach for it -- God! His guiding hand... His provision...His refinement of any given circumstance to meet His will for the lives of those He loves. So, as I sit here with writer's block, decisions to be made and waiting to be done -- I realize that God has brought to this place for "such a time as this..." (Esther 4:14 ) AND that I am still in the Potter's hand (Isaiah 64:8) AND He is refining me all the time to be worthy to wear a crown and be with Him for eternity. (Daniel 11:35) Praise Him that He is still in the business of making Himself real to me in every situation --even during my block!

....I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' Zechariah 13:9(NIV)

Dear Lord - thank You for Your love - I thank You for showing me Your plan for me as I write this simple blog. I pray that You continue to refine me until all the impurities of self are gone. Thank You for my salvation. In the precious name of Jesus - AMEN Application:

• What are you struggling with at this time in your life?
• Do you feel that as you mature in your faith -- your trials become more significant? If so, what is different about the situations.
• Pray that the Lord will help you see Him in the midst of your circumstance. Ask Him not so much for deliverance but for comfort and peace to see you through to the end of His refining processes.

Esteem one another

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)- emphasis mine Each generation in this life has begged the question "what is the meaning of life?" and/or "what is my purpose on this earth?" I know I have asked these same questions and there are times that I have needed a refresher on what I felt my intended purpose was at that time. Since we are all used of God for His glory, our individual purpose or meaning of life in general could change depending on the season of life. Ultimately, however the main purpose of life and for our meer existence is to glorify the only one true living God - the great "I AM." But let's narrow it down a bit and discuss how we as individuals can be a representation of Jesus to those around us - to make them feel important, valued, appreciated and valid in the scheme of things. Often times things get so "heavy" that we need to be cared for and supported more than usual. I think it is a human characteristic and possibly even a genetic predisposition to NEED to feel useful, wanted and included. Our job as believers and non-believers alike should be to make sure that those closest to us know how much they are a part of who we are. We need to constantly ensure that they understand that our lives would be less without them in it. Jesus did not allow people at any level to feel unimportant. He touched those who were shunned by the community; those that were ill; sinners; children; those others felt were above reproach; fishermen, doctors, young and old; scholars and the uneducated, etc. Jesus loves each of these people, along with you and I unconditionally. We should share that same type of love with those around us, especially those close to us. Join me in caring for those around us and take a moment to encourage someone close to you today. You never know, it might be just the thing they need today. God can use small things to make a difference in a person's day and/or disposition. Not everything has to be a "Red Sea" experience to make a major impact. Let's change the world one person at a time... Dear Lord: Help me to be sensitive to others; help me to humble myself and place others needs before my own; remind me to encourage others and show my appreciation for the efforts of those in my life. AMEN Application:

• Who do you need to encourage today? Who do you need to give a "pat-on-the-back?"
• Pray that the Lord will show you how to humble yourself in order to make those around you feel valued. We all want to feel like we belong and are important.